As Medicare accepts open enrollment Oct. 15 through Dec. 7, the Delaware Medicare Assistance Bureau will provide free, one-on-one counseling and several virtual appointment options for residents, as well as video tutorials and other guides that can assist in the process.

Those who are currently enrolled or who want to enroll can call DMAB at 800-336-9500 or 674-7364 to set up a confidential session. To start enrollment, register for a mymedicare.gov account prior to the counseling session for faster guidance.

Counselors can assist with Medicare, Medicaid, Medigap (Medicare supplement insurance), long-term care insurance, billing issues, prescription savings and more.

A virtual Medicare seminar, which DMAB began to offer in 2020, is available and educates participants on Medicare benefits, supplemental insurance policies, Medicare Advantage plans, prescription drug coverage and details on signing up.

DMAB has provided more than 3,000 counseling sessions so far this year, saving beneficiaries more than $372,438 in premiums through application help.

The Department of Insurance cautions residents to only engage with credible sources. Fraud is frequent over the phone but can occur in other communications, as well.